Category : Dog Potty Training

Understanding Conditioning in Dog Training

Conditioning affects all of us in normal life and as it relates to our dogs.  It is important to understand conditioning and how it works in order to best control it when it comes to our canine companions.

First, let’s get the technical “speak” out of the way and then we can talk in more layman’s terms.

There are different types of conditioning when it comes to behavior.   We normally refer to two types of behavioral conditioning when it comes to our dogs; classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning:  Is a form of learning that involves presentation of a neutral stimulus along with a stimulus of some significance.  The neutral stimulus is a stimulus that does not normally affect the behavior of the respondent.  The significant stimulus is a stimulus that evokes a natural response.  Responses elicited by classical conditioning are not maintained by consequences.

Operant Conditioning: is a form of learning during which an individual learns to modify the occurrence and form of its own behavior due to the association with a stimulus.   This is modification of voluntary behavior.  Naturally occurring consequences can reinforce, punish, or extinguish behavior and are not always delivered by people.

In Layman’s Terms: Read the rest of this entry »

The Top 8Things to Consider Before Adding a Puppy to Your Household

So you are thinking of getting a puppy?

Nothing is more exciting than adding a new life to your family structure, but you want to make sure you get the pup of your dreams and not one that gives you nightmares, right?

We can help give you some food for thought when it comes to new puppies!

Puppies are super fun, but they take a substantial amount of time and training!

#1 Time

Puppies need to go outside regularly; experts say you should take your dog’s age by month and add one to decide how often he needs to go outside and go potty.  So if you have an 8 week old puppy that = two months, + 1: so your puppy should go out at least every 3 hours during the day!

Do you have the time to stay home with a puppy and let him out every 2-3 hours or would you prefer an older puppy or adult dog?

#2 Temperament

Temperament is my main focus when I am looking for a new dog.  It is desperately hard to judge a little tiny puppy.  Those of us that compete in different dog trials know that puppies about 7 months are much easier to judge than those that are super young.  There are so many factors when it comes to temperament.

I look at mom and dad.  If I can’t hug or kiss mommy and daddy dog…I probably don’t want a puppy from them.  Even if I want a “protective” dog, I still want a social dog and yes you can have both!

The majority of puppies that I see with aggression problems came from an adult dog with aggression issues!

Even if the puppy is cute or seems social, or you feel sorry for him don’t take a puppy that came from an aggressive parent.  If the adult dog has to be locked up when you come this is a serious RED FLAG! Read the rest of this entry »

Do You Own “No! No! Bad Dog”?

I work with a lot of clients and most of them suffer from this syndrome.  Their dog does something wrong and they shout “NO” or “BAD DOG” at the top of their lungs but the dog barely acknowledges his owner’s presence much less his anger.

When pressed or called the dog runs around the house as if he is deaf and can’t be caught.

An angry game of dart and evade ensues until the dog owner is exhausted and the dog finally gives up.  At this point there is usually some aggression on the part of the dog owner and so everyone loses!

Does Your Dog Respect the NO command?

For many the answer is “no”.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Dog Training Secret’s New Video Vault

I love to read!  When I was a baby I got a vaccination that almost took my life.  I am sure my mother was terrified.  I have some memories of lying on the couch very sick.  My mother would read to me for hours, and at that time (before DVDs or VHS…ahhh I hate aging myself) Disney movies came on record.

I would sit and listen to a movie over and over until I had basically memorized it. In some ways I am grateful for all of my experiences they have shaped me and who I am as an adult.  Because of that one shot, my immune system was never quite able to fight off infection and I did get and still get every flu bug that goes around. I grew up loving reading.   Reading was my way to escape into another world and to learn about…well, anything I was interested in at the time.  My mother did not allow video games, and TV was restricted

This love of reading followed me to college when I double majored one being in English.  I still love English Literature (I know I am a nerd).  But, in many ways these are all the reasons you are reading this article right now.  If I grew up playing video games, I probably wouldn’t be writing or reading to entertain myself.

I am able to learn by reading, and I have hundreds of books lining a book shelf to prove it.  I enjoy reading and breaking things down; highlighting important points for further study.

Part of the beginning of my successful dog training career came from reading just about every dog training book I could get my hands on.  Almost 20 years ago it was difficult to find any kind of dog training on VHS or to see anything visually that wasn’t learned at a class or a seminar.

Much of my learning took place at night reading one book and then another. Read the rest of this entry »

Think Like a Dog

My friends and family say I am part dog.  I take that as a compliment, most days I would rather be like a dog than like some people.  Dogs are simple.  They are forgiving and they love unconditionally.  The things I learn from dogs and other animals make me a better and more patient human!  I lovingly wear a pendant that says “All Dog”.  I guess working with dogs for so many years and problem solving to help their owners with behavior problems has made me think more like a dog.

Now, please understand, I am not complaining!  Thinking like a dog makes me a better dog trainer and it helps me to appreciate life from their point of view.  I think everyone should take a few steps into their dog’s mind and realize what it is like to be a dog.

The first thing to do when you and your dog are not seeing eye to eye, is to try and understand life from his perspective!  Not only will this help you to be more considerate of him and his feelings it will also help you to problems solve effectively and efficiently to come up with a plan that can work for you both.

Digging

I hate digging holes!  It doesn’t matter if it’s a small hole or a large hole, digging is hard work; it makes me sore, tired and overheated!  So why does your dog like digging?

Dogs can’t read books or comprehend a good T.V. show, but digging for a dog is just plain FUN!

Your dog’s nose is 1,000 times more powerful than yours, and let’s face it dogs love disgusting stuff, the stinky- “er” the better!  I can only imagine that each new level of dirt smells exciting and like something else.  There are animals that borrow through the ground, insects, and even treasures like buried food and old bones.  I bet the scents of dogs from the past are all throughout the ground, layers of dirt and yard!

Digging for your dog is probably like watching CSI or reading a good psychological thriller is for us, it’s just super stimulating!

Not only are the scents mingling in the dirt fun to sniff, but watching the dirt fly through the air and land in abstract places can also be “super fun”!  One of my best friends has a German Shepherd who absolutely loves to dig, and then she chases the flying dirt. Read the rest of this entry »

The Top 5 Things to Remember When Potty Training

Potty training a puppy or even an adult or older dog can be daunting and overwhelming this list is to help you get back to the basics and get on the right track!

#5  Crate Training is Your Friend

Utilize a crate and make your life easier.  People who just bring their puppies straight home and allow complete access to the house, have the most trouble with potty training.  Utilize a crate and the process will be easier for you both.

There are many types of crates from indestructible police K9 type crates to mesh crates (although I don’t recommend these for puppies or at the beginning of training).  There is something out there that will help you and your puppy become successful.

#4 Establish a routine

Routines make your job easier and help your new puppy get use to your lifestyle.  If he eats and drinks at about the same time each day, chances are he will urinate and defecate also at the same time each day!

#3 Pick a Specific Spot Outside

Pick a certain place outside in your yard and be sure to take your puppy to it each time you take him outside!  Be sure to go with him and watch him.  It doesn’t matter if it is 100 degrees or 10 below zero; raining or snowing, if you don’t go outside and monitor your puppy you will not know if or when he is going potty outside.

If you leave your puppy out for an hour or two…he will probably have to go potty again soon!  Just because you let him in 10 minutes ago doesn’t mean he went potty right before you let him in!

#2 Supervise

Supervise your puppy at all times.  Supervision means he can’t sneak away and go potty in another room or behind furniture.  It also means that he won’t be chewing on items he shouldn’t or getting into other types trouble.  Supervision is imperative with young puppies!  I recommend an inside tether and keeping him with you at all times, unless he is in his crate!  Although it is a lot of work, it pays off in the end!

#1 It is All About YOU

Stop thinking that potty training is about your puppy!  Potty training is all about you and it is your responsibility when he is young to help him be successful.  Get him outside about every two hours, monitor him outside and when he is inside and be diligent!  Be kind, puppies are like babies, they gain bladder control at different times.  Although you can stop the flow of urine by quietly startling your pup and then getting him outside.  Do not scream or shove his nose in it, be kind so that he will be willing to go outside in front of you.

Sure, accidents happen but if you make it your goal to ensure his success you will both be happy in a short amount of time!

Good luck and as always reward your puppy for correct decisions and doing the right thing and have fun together!  Don’t focus on the mistakes, focus on the positives and moving together toward probably your first big goal!

 

Help for Submissive Urination!

When you come home does your dog flip belly up and urinate?  Submissive urination can be frustrating!  We all want to come home and be greeted by our excited dogs, but the last thing we want is to be peed on after a long hard day!  Some dogs even urinate excitedly when company comes over to visit!

Why?

Why does your dog show this behavior?  When he shows his belly to you and urinates your dog is signaling to you that he is extremely submissive.  He wants you to know without a shadow of a doubt that you are the pack leader.

Some dogs simply just get so excited, it’s that feeling of being so excited or so nervous you want to pee your pants (every had that feeling?), except your dog is doing just that to the floor and sometimes even on you.

The natural reaction is to get angry and lose your temper or shout.   However, yelling, shouting, or even just assuming that stiff angry body posture can make this problem significantly worse, especially for the next time you return home or have company over!  The more you punish him, the more angry you are the worse the problem will be! Read the rest of this entry »

The Joys of Crate Training

Some people will just look at the heading of this article and be emotionally turned off at the idea of “caging” an animal.  Some of you have dealt with the negative connotations of crate training in the past, or have simply all the pessimistic implications and have made up your minds.  I am hoping that today I can change a few minds with some truths about crate training and utilization.

Many dogs are alive, simply because crates allow them to be free from destruction and danger.  Not only are chewer’s euthanized at an alarming rate throughout this country every day thousands of dogs die because of consuming the wrong things.

There are toxins all over the average household, cold and flu medicines, gum, nutmeg, batteries, and plants that are a death sentence for dogs that eat them.

Read the rest of this entry »

Suffering from Doggy Accidents at Night?

I have had a few requests lately from people who are waking up to find “surprise packages” for them on the floor in the morning, and need some help.

First to make this clear this article is geared toward dogs that don’t have potty training issues during the day or are mostly potty trained.  For those of you having general potty training issues I will get to that in another article.

I am a HUGE proponent of crate training, and again at another time we will discuss why!  Crate training will undoubtedly fix the issue of dogs that get up and have accidents at night, because it eliminates their ability to get away and potty on the floor.  I recommend putting the crate next to you while you sleep so you can hear your dog wake up and become restless if they truly need to go out at night. Read the rest of this entry »

Puppies 101

My dogs are getting older, one is 10 and the other is 8 and I realized at the beginning of this year as I trained for a 5 mile race (not a 5k) I had no dog to train or run with because my dogs are too old to run so far, so I recently got a puppy.  Actually I picked her up on Sunday!  I forgot just how much work and effort a new little life is,  but it reminds me of the importance of setting your puppies up for success in the very beginning of life.

Before Your Puppy Comes Home

• Puppy proof your house!!!  You would baby proof your house if you had a toddler or a baby over, why would you not puppy proof things!  Pick up shoes and expensive items, put things in safe places, and make sure medications and cleaners are out of reach.
• Get a toy box for your baby and stock it FULL of a variety of items.  Puppies are tactile like babies they like to play with numerous types of toys so give them an opportunity to explore their environment the only way they can, with their mouths and teeth!  This will help them not use their teeth on you
• Buy a crate for crate training, one that will grow with your puppy as he grows.  If you are unable to come home and let your puppy out every few hours, specify a space i.e. kitchen, laundry room, bathroom for your puppy until he gains bladder control and can be crated for longer periods of time.

Potty Training

• I have had her for three days and at 8 weeks we have yet to have an accident around the house or anywhere else!
• Potty training for a puppy of 8 weeks is all about ME it isn’t even about her.  She is too young to be expected to hold her bladder for long or to alert me to her needs so it is my responsibility to get her outside about every 2 hours and after naps or eating or drinking or raucous play.  I have to monitor her food and water intake and gauge how often she will need to relieve herself.
• When she is outside, I keep her on a leash so that I can watch where she is going and what she is doing and how much volume is coming out.  Sometimes she gets distracted and I have to get her up and move her around in order to change her mind set.   Often she would rather pounce and play and put her mouth on everything instead of going potty, so I just move around the yard until she gets the idea and then I bring her inside when she is finished.

Setting Up for Success Around the House

• From the moment she stepped into this house she has been on a leash.  Keeping her on a long leash or long line prevents her from sneaking away and having an accident and it also keeps her from doing all kinds of other naughty behaviors.
• Although she has been great with the kids ages 2 to 15, when she does get out of control and wants to bite pants or hands and legs, I already have her on a leash and can prevent her from continuing these naughty behaviors.   I can redirect her energy toward her toys and interact with her in a healthy way.
• Having her on a leash also prevents her from chewing things that she shouldn’t  or things that might be dangerous for her.  Her leash is either attached to me or attached to a heavy piece of furniture (8ft leash or long line) in the room I am in, so I notice the moment her sharp little teeth grab something they shouldn’t have grabbed.  It also prevents her from grabbing naughty objects (underwear ha ha) and dashing around the house evading apprehension.  This evasion game is a favorite for most dogs but by keeping her under control and close she doesn’t even realize this game exists.
• This also helps with early training, it is never too early to begin training.  Keeping your dog on a leash and close to you gives him the manners he needs early in life to make a good pet and this keeps him from establishing problem behaviors that need to be fixed at a later date.  If she is on a leash, I am not going to let her, chase the cat, grab food from the table, jump up on me etc.  Doesn’t it make more sense to teach your pup correct principles from the start?  Don’t WAIT till there is a problem, curb the problems from ever rearing their ugly heads!

Socialization

• I have a very short period of time to socialize her to as many people and things as possible before she starts to form opinions about everything on her own.  Puppies who are not socialized early are dealt such a disservice.  Puppies and children are capable of learning and experiencing more while they are young, if you wait too long the window of opportunity closes and it becomes a much more difficult process.
• Get your puppy out and start socializing.  Keep in mind that your puppy is not safe from diseases until they are 16 weeks or so and have received their last set of boosters and the rabies vaccination so do not socialize in unknown or uncontrolled areas or with unknown dogs!
• You can, however, start socializing your puppy with sociable dogs that you know and you know are well vaccinated.  Not all dogs like puppies, puppies can be quite irritating to older and geriatric dogs so use caution and set up play dates with dogs that are known to be good with puppies.
• Start socializing your pup with all shapes, sizes, ages and colors of people.  Puppies need to be introduced to all varieties of people, especially children and people who might be interpreted as different.  This early socialization forms a strong foundation for your dog as it grows to be accepting of people from all walks of life.  They should get use to seeing people with hats on and people who limp etc. so they accept differences in people as normal.
• It is also essential to get them use to a variety of noises and environmental challenges.  I often like to sit outside of my local Wal-Mart with my pup on my lap so they can watch people and carts coming and going and get use to the normal sounds and spice of life.

This early socialization is crucial to a well rounded out going dog!

You have a lot of work to do, and so do I!  Get your puppy out and set him up for success.  It is our responsibility as doggy parents to make certain that we are setting our dogs up for becoming the best pets possible!  Dogs are and investment in not only money but also time, effort and emotional bonding, we owe it to ourselves and to them to give them the skills they need to thrive.